Last month’s active shooter report at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was confirmed as a hoax, claimed by an online group. Sadly, hoaxes like these are becoming more common in Tennessee—and they’re disruptive and frightening.
While details on the new firearm safety instruction required in public schools remain vague, we hope it will cover the dangers of making threats—even as a joke—so students can avoid terrifying classmates and facing serious legal consequences. Here’s what we’re tracking right now…
1-What We’re Tracking: Hoaxes, Arrests, and Firearm Safety in Schools
According to a troubling report by The Trace, last month’s active shooter scare at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was confirmed as a hoax. It was one of more than 20 false active shooter reports on college campuses in a two-week period, with a shadowy online group taking credit for these calls to law enforcement. Unfortunately, incidents like this are not uncommon in grade schools and colleges alike.
The Nashville Banner reports that 44 Metro Nashville Public School students were arrested last school year for making threats of mass violence, compared with only 12 the year prior. The report notes this increase doesn’t necessarily mean violent threats are rising; instead, it reflects a law passed last year that elevated such threats to a felony. Safer TN urges parents to remind their children never to joke about making threats, including posting or resharing online content that could be misinterpreted. Even so-called “jokes” can carry serious legal consequences in today’s climate of heightened fear around active shooters.
Meanwhile, Safer TN is awaiting updates from state agencies and school districts about the new requirements for age-appropriate firearm safety education in public schools. This change stems from legislation enacted in 2024 that goes into effect this school year.
We support this requirement: Studies show 70% of children know where their parents’ firearms are located, and Tennessee ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings by children. While responsible gun ownership is the foundation of prevention, teaching kids what to do if they encounter a firearm is also a proven way to save lives. You can find our resource about talking to children about firearm safety here.
2-What We’re Tracking: Dove Season & Firearm Safety with Elliott Davenport
Dove season is here, and for many Tennesseans, it’s a family tradition and often kids’ introduction to hunting. Safer TN member Elliott Davenport shares how dove hunting isn’t just about time in the field—it’s also about passing down the fundamentals of firearm safety.
In his short video, Elliott reminds us that safe practices extend far beyond hunting:
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded
- Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
Watch Elliott’s full message for other tips. You can learn more about dove hunting season by visiting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
3-What We’re Tracking: Safer TN Launches Radio Campaign on Secure Firearm Storage
Safer TN has launched a new radio campaign across iHeartRadio stations in Middle Tennessee to highlight the life-saving importance of secure firearm storage. The campaign is designed to reach rural and suburban audiences with a message of responsible gun ownership.
Why now? Because the situation is urgent: most firearm deaths in Tennessee are suicides, and our state’s firearm suicide rate is nearly 50% higher than the national average, with rural residents at especially high risk. Tennessee also ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings involving children—tragedies that are often preventable with secure storage.
The radio ad features a Tennessee father and grandfather reminding listeners that locking up firearms when not in use saves lives.
“Secure storage isn’t just a best practice—it can save lives,” said Tim Sinks, Safer TN’s Treasurer.
4-What We’re Tracking: Crime is Down in Tennessee
According to a new 400+ page report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, overall crime in the state dropped 6% last year with murders decreasing by 19% year over year (538 total statewide). Gun thefts from cars also declined in 2024, though that number has begun to climb again this year—at least in Nashville.
Encouragingly, murders remain down so far in 2025—17% lower in the first half of the year across Tennessee.
While crime is still a top concern nationally, the trend in Tennessee points toward safer communities and progress worth building on.
5-What We’re Tracking: We’re Looking for New Fall & Winter Interns!
This summer, Memphis resident Maggie Taylor interned with us. She monitored legislation, tracked firearm violence incidents, and built connections in Memphis to strengthen our network. As our only Memphis student representative, Maggie brought a unique perspective and a strong commitment to making her community safer.
Now, we’re looking for more student leaders like her! Applications are open for fall and winter internships—a chance to gain hands-on experience in public policy, advocacy, and communications. Learn more and apply here.
